Designation: E 1220 99

Standard Test Method for

Visible Penetrant Examination Using

Solvent-Removable Process1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1220; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the

safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
statements, see Notes 9 and 11.

1. Scope
1.1 This test method2 covers procedures for visible penetrant examination utilizing the solvent-removable process. It
is a nondestructive testing method for detecting discontinuities
that are open to the surface such as cracks, seams, laps, cold
shuts, laminations, isolated porosity, through leaks, or lack of
fusion and is applicable to in-process, final, and maintenance
examination. It can be effectively used in the examination of
nonporous, metallic materials, both ferrous and nonferrous,
and of nonmetallic materials such as glazed or fully densified
ceramics and certain nonporous plastics and glass.
1.2 This test method also provides a reference:
1.2.1 By which a visible penetrant examination method
using the solvent-removable process recommended or required
by individual organizations can be reviewed to ascertain its
applicability and completeness.
1.2.2 For use in the preparation of process specifications
dealing with the visible, solvent-removable liquid penetrant
examination of materials and parts. Agreement by the purchaser and the manufacturer regarding specific techniques is
strongly recommended.
1.2.3 For use in the organization of the facilities and
personnel concerned with the liquid penetrant examination.
1.3 This test method does not indicate or suggest standards
for evaluation of the indications obtained. It should be noted,
however, that after indications have been produced, they must
be interpreted or classified and then evaluated. For this purpose
there must be a separate code, specification, or a specific
agreement to define the type, size, location, and direction of
indications considered acceptable, and those considered unacceptable.
1.4 All areas of this test method may be open to agreement
between the cognizant engineering organization and the supplier, or specific direction from the cognizant engineering
organization.

2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 129 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products (General Bomb Method)3
D 516 Test Methods for Sulfate Ion in Water4
D 808 Test Method for Chlorine in New and Used Petroleum Products (Bomb Method)3
D 1552 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products
(High-Temperature Method)3
E 165 Test Method for Liquid Penetrant Examination5
E 433 Reference Photographs for Liquid Penetrant Inspection5
E 543 Practice for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
Testing5
E 1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations5
2.2 ASNT Documents:
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing6
ANSI/ASNT-CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel6
2.3 Military Standard:
MIL-STD-410 Nondestructive Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification7
2.4 AIA Standard:
NAS 410 Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive
Test Personnel8
2.5 DoD Contracts-Unless otherwise specified, the issues
of the documents that are DoD adopted are those listed in the
3

Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01.

Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03.
6
Available from the American Society for Nondestructive Testing, 1711 Arlingate Plaza, Columbus, OH 43228-0518.
7
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
8
Available from the Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc., 1250
Eye Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005.
4

This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-7 on

Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.03 on
Liquid Penetrant and Magnetic Particle Methods.
Current edition approved June 10, 1999. Published August 1999. Originally
published as E 1220 87. Last previous edition E 1220 92.
2
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Test
Method SE-1220 in Section II of that Code.

Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

E 1220 99
with solvent to remove the excess penetrant is prohibited.
Visible penetrant examination makes use of a penetrant that is
visible under normal lighting conditions. The penetrant is
usually red in color so that the indications produce a definite
contrast with the white background of the developer. Visible
penetrant indications must be viewed under adequate white
light (see 7.1.8.1).
6.3 Solvent Removers function by dissolving the penetrant,
making it possible to wipe the surface clean and free of residual
penetrant as described in 7.1.5.
6.4 DevelopersDevelopment of penetrant indications is
the process of bringing the penetrant out of open discontinuities through blotting action of the applied developer, thus
increasing the visibility of the penetrant indications. Nonaqueous, wet developers and aqueous developers are the most
commonly used developers in the visible, solvent-removable
penetrant process. Liquid film developers also are used for
special applications.
6.4.1 Nonaqueous, Wet Developers are normally supplied
as suspensions of developer particles in a volatile solvent
carrier and are ready for use as supplied. They are applied to
the surface by spraying after the excess penetrant has been
removed and the surface has dried. Nonaqueous, wet developers form a white coating on the surface of the part when dried
and serve as a contrasting background for visible penetrants
(see 7.1.7.1(a)).

issue of the DoDISS (Department of Defense Index of Specifications and Standards) cited in the solicitation.
2.6 Order of Precedence-In the event of conflict between
the text of this test method and the references cited herein, the
text of this test method takes precedence.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitionsdefinitions relating to liquid penetrant examination, which appear in Terminology E 1316, shall apply to
the terms used in this test method.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A liquid penetrant is applied evenly over the surface
being tested and allowed to enter open discontinuities. After a
suitable dwell time, the excess surface penetrant is removed by
wiping and the surface is dried. If an aqueous developer is to
be employed, the developer is applied prior to the drying step.
A developer is then applied, drawing the entrapped penetrant
out of the discontinuity, staining the developer. The test surface
is then examined visually to determine the presence or absence
of indications.
4.2 Processing parameters, such as precleaning, penetration
time, etc., are determined by the specific materials used, the
nature of the part under examination (that is, size, shape,
surface condition, alloy), and type of discontinuities expected.

NOTE 3Caution: This type of developer is intended for application

by spray only.

5. Significance and Use

5.1 Liquid penetrant examination methods indicate the presence, location, and, to a limited extent, the nature and magnitude of the detected discontinuities. This test method is
intended primarily for portability and for localized areas of
examination, utilizing minimal equipment. Surface roughness
may be a limiting factor. If so, an alternate process, such as
water-wash visible or post-emulsified penetrant should be
considered when grinding or machining is not practical.

6.4.2 Aqueous Developers are normally supplied as dry

powder particles to be either suspended or dissolved (soluble)
in water. The concentration, use and maintenance shall be in
accordance with manufacturers recommendations (see
7.1.7.1(b)).
6.4.3 Liquid Film Developers are solutions or colloidal
suspensions of resins/polymer in a suitable carrier. These
developers will form a transparent or translucent coating on the
surface of the part. Certain types of film developer will fix
indications and may be stripped from the surface and retained
for record purposes (see 7.1.7.1(c)).

6. Reagents and Materials

6.1 Visible, Solvent-Removable Liquid Penetrant Examination Materials, (see Note 1) consist of a family of applicable
visible penetrant, solvent remover, as recommended by the
manufacturer, and are classified as Type II Visible, Method
CSolvent-Removable. Intermixing of materials from various
manufacturers is not recommended.

7. Procedure
7.1 The following general procedure applies to the solventremovable, visible penetrant examination method (see Fig. 1).
7.1.1 Temperature LimitsThe temperature of the penetrant
materials and the surface of the part to be processed should be
from 40 to 120F (4 to 49C). Where it is not practical to
comply with these temperature limitations, the procedure must
be qualified at the temperature of intended use as described in
9.2.
7.1.2 Surface Conditioning Prior to Penetrant Inspection
Satisfactory results can usually be obtained on surfaces in the
as-welded, as-rolled, as-cast, or as-forged conditions or for
ceramic in the densified condition. When only loose surface
residuals are present, these may be removed by wiping the
surface with clean lint-free cloths. However, precleaning of
metals to remove processing residuals such as oil, graphite,
scale, insulating materials, coatings, and so forth, should be
done using cleaning solvents, vapor degreasing or chemical

NOTE 1Refer to 8.1 for special requirements for sulfur, halogen, and
alkali metal content.
NOTE 2Caution: While approved penetrant materials will not adversely affect common metallic materials, some plastics or rubber may be
swollen or stained by certain penetrants.

6.2 Visible, Solvent-Removable Penetrants are designed so

that excess surface penetrant can be removed by wiping with
dry, clean, lint-free material, and repeating the operation until
most of the penetrant has been removed. The remaining traces
shall be removed by wiping the surface with clean, lint-free
material lightly moistened with the solvent remover. To minimize removal of penetrant from discontinuities, care should be
taken to avoid the use of excess solvent. Flushing the surface
2

E 1220 99
Incoming Parts

PRECLEAN
(See 7.1.3.1)

Alkaline

Steam

Mechanical

Vapor Degrease

Paint Stripper

DRY
(See 7.1.3.2)

Solvent Wash

Ultrasonic

Acid Etch

Detergent

Dry

PENETRANT
APPLICATION
(See 7.1.4)

Apply Solvent
Removable,
Visible
Penetrant

REMOVE
(See 7.1.5)

Solvent
Wipe-Off

DRY
(See 7.1.6)

Dry

DEVELOP
(See 7.1.7)

Nonaqueous
Wet or Liquid
Film Developer

Aqueous
Developer

DRY
(See 7.1.6)

Dry

EXAMINE
(See 7.1.8)

Examine

Mechanical
Wash

Detergent
POST CLEAN
(See 7.1.10 and Practice
E165, Annex on Post
Cleaning)

Dry

Vapor Degrease

Solvent Soak

Ultrasonic Clean

Outgoing Parts

FIG. 1 Solvent-Removable Visible Penetrant Examination General Procedure Flowsheet

removing processes. Surface conditioning by grinding, machining, polishing or etching shall follow shot, sand, grit and
vapor blasting to remove the peened skin and when penetrant
entrapment in surface irregularities might mask the indications
of unacceptable discontinuities or otherwise interfere with the
effectiveness of the examination. For metals, unless otherwise
specified, etching shall be performed when evidence exists that
previous cleaning, surface treatments or service usage have
produced a surface condition that degrades the effectiveness of
the examination. (See Annex on Mechanical Cleaning and
Surface Conditioning and Annex on Acid Etching in Test
Method E 165 for general precautions relative to surface
preparation.)

grinding, sand blasting and etching for penetrant examination is not

recommended because of the potential for damage.

7.1.3 Removal of Surface Contaminants:

7.1.3.1 PrecleaningThe success of any penetrant examination procedure is greatly dependent upon the surface and
discontinuity being free of any contaminant that might interfere
with the penetrant process. All parts or areas of parts to be
inspected must be clean and dry before the penetrant is applied.
If only a section of a part, such as a weld, including the
heat-affected zone is to be examined, all contaminants shall be
removed from the area being examined as defined by the
contracting parties. Clean is intended to mean that the
surface must be free of any rust, scale, welding flux, spatter,
grease, paint, oily films, dirt, etc., that might interfere with
penetration. All of these contaminants can prevent the penetrant from entering discontinuities (see Annex on Cleaning of
Parts and Materials in Test Method E 165 for more detailed
cleaning methods).

NOTE 4When agreed between purchaser and supplier, grit blasting

without subsequent etching may be an acceptable cleaning method.
NOTE 5Caution: Sand or shot blasting may possibly close indications and extreme care should be used with grinding and machining
operations.
NOTE 6For structural or electronic ceramics, surface preparation by

E 1220 99
the penetrant must remain on the part to allow proper penetration should be recommended by the penetrant manufacturer.
Table 1, however, provides a guide for selection of penetrant
dwell times for a variety of materials, their form, and types of
discontinuity. Unless otherwise specified, the dwell time shall
not exceed the maximum recommended by the manufacturer.

NOTE 7Caution: Residues from cleaning processes, such as strong

alkalies pickling solutions and chromates in particular, may adversely
react with the penetrant and reduce its sensitivity and performance.

7.1.3.2 Drying After CleaningIt is essential that the area

to be examined be thoroughly dry after cleaning, since any
liquid residue will hinder the entrance of the penetrant. Drying
may be accomplished by warming the parts in drying ovens,
with infrared lamps, forced hot or cold air, or exposure to
ambient temperature.
7.1.4 Penetrant ApplicationAfter the area to be examined
has been cleaned, dried, and is within the specified temperature
range, apply the penetrant to the surface to be inspected so that
the entire part or area under examination is completely covered
with penetrant.
7.1.4.1 Modes of ApplicationThere are various modes of
effective application of penetrant such as immersion, brushing,
flooding, or spraying. Small parts are often placed in suitable
baskets and dipped into a tank of penetrant. On larger parts,
and those with complex geometries, penetrant can be applied
effectively by brushing or spraying. Both conventional and
electrostatic spray guns are appropriate means of applying
liquid penetrants to the part surfaces. Electrostatic spray
application can eliminate excess liquid build-up of penetrant on
the surface, minimize overspray, and minimize the amount of
penetrant entering hollow-cored passages that could serve as
penetrant reservoirs causing severe bleedout problems during
examination. Aerosol sprays are also very effective and a
convenient portable means of application.

NOTE 10For some specific applications in structural ceramics (for

example, detecting parting lines in slip-cast material), the required
penetrant dwell time should be determined experimentally and may be
longer than that shown in Table 1 and its notes.

7.1.5 Removal of Excess PenetrantAfter the required

penetration time, remove the excess penetrant insofar as
possible, by using wipes of a dry, clean, lint-free material,
repeating the operation until most traces of penetrant have been
removed. Then lightly moisten a lint-free material with remover solvent and gently wipe the remaining traces to avoid
the removing penetrant from discontinuities, taking care to
avoid the use of excess solvent. If over-removal is suspected
dry (see 7.1.6) and reclean the part, and reapply the penetrant
for the prescribed dwell time. Flushing the surface with solvent
following the application of the penetrant and prior to developing is prohibited.
7.1.6 DryingFollowing the removal of excess surface
penetrant by solvent wipe-off techniques, the part surface will
dry quickly by normal evaporation. Normally, no other drying
techniques are necessary, so long as the processing temperature
range is within the specified temperature range.
7.1.7 Developer Application:
7.1.7.1 Modes of ApplicationThere are various modes of
effective application of the various types of developers such as
immersing, flooding, or spraying. The size, configuration,
surface condition, number of parts to be processed, etc., will
influence the choice of developer application.
(a) (a) Nonaqueous, Wet DevelopersApply to the area
being examined by spraying after the excess penetrant has been
removed and the area has been dried. Spray areas so as to
assure complete coverage with a thin, even film of developer.
This type of developer carrier fluid evaporates very rapidly at
normal room temperature and does not require the use of a
dryer.

NOTE 8Caution: Not all penetrant materials are suitable for electrostatic spray applications.
NOTE 9Warning: With spray applications, it is important that there
be proper ventilation. This is generally accomplished through the use of a
properly designed spray booth or exhaust system, or both.

7.1.4.2 Penetrant Dwell TimeAfter application, allow excess penetrant to drain from the part (care should be taken to
prevent pools of penetrant on the part), while allowing for
proper penetrant dwell time (see Table 1). The length of time
TABLE 1 Recommended Minimum Dwell Times

Material

Aluminum,
magnesium, steel,
brass and bronze,
titanium and
high-temperature
alloys

Carbide-tipped tools
Plastic
Glass
Ceramic

Form

castings and
welds

Type of
Discontinuity
cold shuts, porosity,
lack of fusion,
cracks (all forms)

wrought
laps, cracks (all
materials
forms)
extrusions,
forgings, plate
lack of fusion,
porosity, cracks
all forms
cracks
all forms
cracks
all forms
cracks, porosity

Dwell Times,
(minutes)A

NOTE 11Warning: The vapors from the evaporating, volatile solvent

developer carrier may be hazardous. Proper ventilation should be provided
in all cases, but especially when the surface to be examined is inside a
closed volume, such as a process drum or a small storage tank.
NOTE 12Caution: Dipping or flooding areas being examined with
nonaqueous developers is prohibited, since it can flush (dissolve) the
penetrant from within the discontinuities through its solvent action.

Pene- DeveltrantB operC

5

10

10

10

10

5
5
5

10
10
10

(a) (b) Aqueous DevelopersApply by spraying, flowing,

or immersing the area being examined prior to drying (see Note
11). Drain excess developer from the area to eliminate tendencies of pooling of the developer, which can mask indications.
Then dry the developer using hot air blast, hot air recirculating
oven, infrared heater, or by exposure to ambient temperature.
The dried developer appears as a translucent or white coating
on the part. Prepare and maintain the aqueous developer in
accordance with the manufacturers instructions and apply in
such a manner as to assure complete, even coverage.

For temperature range from 60 to 125F (16 to 52C).

Maximum penetrant dwell time 60 min in accordance with 7.1.4.2.
C
Development time begins as soon as wet developer coating has dried on
surface of parts (recommended minimum). Maximum development time in accordance with 7.1.7.2.
B

NOTE 13Caution: Atomized spraying of aqueous developers is not

E 1220 99
8.1.2 Because volatile solvents leave the tested surface
quickly without reaction under normal inspection procedures,
penetrant materials are normally subjected to an evaporation
procedure to remove the solvents before the materials are
analyzed for impurities. The residue from this procedure is
then analyzed in accordance with Test Method D 129, Test
Method D 1552, or Test Method D 129 decomposition followed by Test Methods D 516, Method B (Turbidimetric
Method) for sulfur. The residue may also be analyzed in
accordance with Test Methods D 808 or E 165, Annex on
Methods for Measuring Total Chlorine Content in Combustible
Liquid Penetrant Materials (for halogens other than fluorine)
and Test Method E 165, Annex on Method for Measuring Total
Fluorine Content in Combustible Liquid Penetrant Materials
(for fluorine). The Annex on Determination of Anions and
Cations by Ion Chromatography in Test Method E 165 can be
used as an alternate procedure. Alkali metals in the residue are
determined by flame photometry or atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

recommended, since a spotty film may result.

(a) (c) Liquid Film DevelopersApply by spraying as

recommended by the manufacturer. Spray areas so as to ensure
complete coverage with a thin, even film of developer.
7.1.7.2 Developing TimeThe length of time the developer
is to remain on the area prior to examination should be not less
than 10 min. Developing time begins as soon as the wet
(aqueous and nonaqueous) developer coating is dry (that is, the
solvent carrier has evaporated to dryness). The maximum
permitted developing times are 2 h for aqueous developers and
1 h for nonaqueous developers.
7.1.8 ExaminationPerform examination of parts after the
applicable development time as specified in 7.1.7.2 to allow for
proper bleedout of penetrant from discontinuities onto the
developer coating. It is good practice to observe the surface
while applying the developer as an aid in evaluating indications.
7.1.8.1 Visible Light LevelVisible penetrant indications
can be examined in either natural or artificial visible light.
Adequate illumination is required to ensure no loss of the
sensitivity of the examination. A minimum light intensity at the
examination site of 100 fc (1000 lux) is recommended.
7.1.8.2 HousekeepingKeep the examination area free of
interfering debris. Practice good housekeeping at all times.
7.1.9 EvaluationUnless otherwise agreed upon, it is normal practice to interpret and evaluate the discontinuity indication based on the size of the stain created by the developers
absorption of the penetrant (see Reference Photographs E433).
7.1.10 Post CleaningPost cleaning is necessary in those
cases where residual penetrant or developer could interfere
with subsequent processing or with service requirements. It is
particularly important where residual penetrant examination
materials might combine with other factors in service to
produce corrosion. A suitable technique, such as a machine
wash, vapor degreasing, solvent soak, or ultrasonic cleaning
may be employed (see Test Method E 165, Annex on Post
Cleaning). In the case of developers, it is recommended that if
post cleaning is necessary, it be carried out as promptly as
possible after examination so that it does not fix on the part.

NOTE 15Some current standards indicate that impurity levels of

sulfur and halogens exceeding 1 % of any one suspect element may be
considered excessive. However, this high a level may be unacceptable in
some cases, so the actual maximum acceptable impurity level must be
decided between supplier and user on a case by case basis.

8.2 Elevated Temperature ExaminationWhere penetrant

examination is performed on parts that must be maintained at
elevated temperature during examination, special materials and
processing techniques may be required. Such examination
requires qualification in accordance with 9.2. Manufacturers
recommendations should be observed.
9. Qualification and Requalification
9.1 Personnel QualificationUnless otherwise specified by
client/supplier agreement, all examination personnel shall be
qualified/certified in accordance with a written procedure
conforming to the latest edition of Recommended Practice
SNT-TC-1A, ANSI/ASNT-CP-189, NAS-410, or MIL-STD410.
9.2 Procedure QualificationQualification of procedure
using conditions or times differing from those specified or for
new materials may be performed by any of several methods
and should be agreed upon by the contracting parties. A test
piece containing one or more discontinuities of the smallest
relevant size is used. The test piece may contain real or
simulated discontinuities, providing it displays the characteristics of the discontinuities encountered in production examinations.
9.3 Nondestructive Testing Agency QualificationIf a
nondestructive testing agency as described in Practice E 543 is
used to perform the examination, the agency shall meet the
requirements of Practice E 543.
9.4 Requalification may be required when a change or
substitution is made in the type of penetrant materials or in the
procedure (see 9.2).

NOTE 14Caution: Developers should be removed prior to vapor

degreasing. Vapor degreasing can bake developer on parts.

8. Special Requirements
8.1 Impurities:
8.1.1 When using penetrant materials on austenitic stainless
steels, titanium, nickel-base or other high-temperature alloys,
the need to restrict impurities such as sulfur, halogens, and
alkali metals must be considered. These impurities may cause
embrittlement or corrosion, particularly at elevated temperatures. Any such evaluation should also include consideration of
the form in which the impurities are present. Some penetrant
materials contain significant amounts of these impurities in the
form of volatile organic solvents. These normally evaporate
quickly and usually do not cause problems. Other materials
may contain impurities that are not volatile and may react with
the part, particularly in the presence of moisture or elevated
temperatures.

10. Keywords
10.1 nondestructive testing; penetrant testing; solventremovable method; visible liquid
5

E 1220 99
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